AstraZeneca has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EsoBiotec, picking up the Belgium-based biotech’s in vivo delivery platform.
The EsoBiotec Engineered NanoBody Lentiviral (ENaBL) platform empowers the immune system to attack cancers and could offer many more patients access to transformative cell therapy treatments delivered in just minutes rather than the current process which takes weeks, according to EsoBiotec.
ENaBL uses highly targeted lentiviruses to deliver genetic instructions to specific immune cells, such as T cells, which program them to recognize and destroy tumor cells for cancer treatment or autoreactive cells for potential use in immune-mediated diseases. This approach enables cell therapies to be administered through a simple IV injection and without the need for immune cell depletion.
By engineering immune cells directly within the patient’s body, the EsoBiotec in vivo approach has the potential to address many of the barriers associated with traditional cell therapies, reducing complexities and manufacturing timelines, thereby increasing access for patients.
Esobiotec’s lead asset is a phase 1 BCMA-directed in vivo CAR-T cell therapy being evaluated for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Per the deal, AstraZeneca will acquire all outstanding equity of EsoBiotec for a total consideration of up to $1 billion. This will include an initial payment of $425 million at closing, and up to $575 million in contingent consideration based on development and regulatory milestones.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletters
Stay up to date with news, articles and insights relevant to cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing. Plus, get special offers from Cell & Gene Therapy Review delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up now!